Motorists furious and dealing with 'huge stress' after massive rise in car crime
Car crime is on the rise
PA
Drivers are becoming more security conscious and investing in measures to protect their vehicles.
New data has found that searches for security measures and products are spiking as motorists look to avoid getting their vehicles stolen.
The most frequently purchased security items include steering wheel locks and car immobilisers.
Between May 2022 and May 2023, drivers in Romford, Motherwell and Redhill represented the towns and cities with the highest number of security product purchases.
Drivers are investing in security measures to protect their vehicles
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Many motorists around the country have seen a rise in car crime and instances of theft, prompting many to take security measures more seriously.
The Metropolitan Police has seen a 12 per cent increase in car theft, with a total of 35,765 offences.
This is the equivalent of four per 1,000 people across all London boroughs being a victim of car crime.
Laura Richards, eBay category lead for parts and accessories, commented on the data, adding that drivers are becoming savvier with how to protect their cars.
She said: “By studying purchases made on eBay and looking at just how many searches are made every day, it’s clear to see people want to do everything they can to protect their vehicle.
“Having a car stolen can cause huge stress, but there are a huge range of items which can help prevent this, whether that’s to protect a cherished classic or a more modern model.
“At a time when we see more reports of vehicles being stolen and more sophisticated methods, owners are looking at all the different accessories that can help protect their vehicle when it’s parked at their home.”
The research also found that there has been a massive increase in the number of searches for key phrases with drivers looking for safety measures.
One of the most common safety items is a “Faraday pouch” or “Faraday box” which drivers can use to keep their car fobs safe.
Sophisticated criminals could target drivers whose cars have keyless entry using a relay box.
This allows them to recover the signal from the car fob and use the signal to open the car without gaining access to the house.
Other popular security features included GPS trackers, pedal locks, car alarms and wheel clamps.
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Wheel clamps and other security measures are becoming more popular
PA
More motorists are also installing security or CCTV cameras around their houses to monitor their cars, especially if they do not have a covered garage.